Lymphocyte subsets (B, T, NK cell counts)

Alternative names, keywords

Samples required

EDTA blood (purple cap/ black cap ring, 4 mL tube). Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

Must be tested within 48 hours – stored locally at room temperature. Not tested at weekends or Bank Holidays, however samples may be tested on Saturday mornings provided they arrive before 10am.

Test indications

For immune disorder investigations and some drug monitoring (e.g. Rituximab).

Reference range

T Cells (CD3+) see CD4/8 counts (T Lymphocyte subsets)

	B cells (CD19+)		NK Cells (CD16+56+)
	%	Absolute count (10⁶/L, cells/µL)	%	Absolute count (10⁶/L, cells/µL)
Adult	6 - 19	100 - 500	7 - 31	90 - 600
_{Source: Comans-Bitter et al, Netherlands 1997, n=51}
	B cells (CD19+)		NK Cells (CD16+56+)
Paediatric	%	Absolute count (10⁶/L, cells/µL)	%	Absolute count (10⁶/L, cells/µL)
1 day to 1 week	5 - 22	40 - 1100	6 - 58	100 - 1900
1 week to 2 months	4 - 26	600 - 1900	3 - 23	200 - 1400
2 to 5 months	14 - 39	600 - 3000	2 - 14	100 - 1300
5 to 9 months	13 - 35	700 - 2500	2 - 13	100 - 1000
9 to 15 months	15- 39	600 - 2700	3 - 17	200 - 1200
15 to 24 months	17 - 41	600 - 3100	3 -16	100 - 1400
2 to 5 years	14 - 44	200 - 2100	4 - 23	100 - 1000
5 to 10 years	10 - 31	200 - 1600	4 - 26	90 - 900
10 to 16 years	8 - 24	200 - 600	6 - 27	70 - 1200

_{Source: Comans-Bitter WM, et al, Immunophenotyping of Blood Lymphocytes in Childhood, J Pediatrics, 1997, 130:388-93}

Turnaround time

Results within 2 working days.

Enquiries

Haematology (Immunohaematology)

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